Pre-arrival

Questions about the pre-arrival process?

Please let us know if you have any questions about your arrival at issworld@uark.edu

Things To Do Once You Have Been Admitted

 

Accept Offer of Admission

  • Make sure to log into your Application Portal to accept the offer of admission. You will also have the option to decline the offer of admission or to defer your admission to a different term. (If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the International Admission Office)
  • Check your admission notice for any additional items needed by the University, such as official transcripts.

Arrange Your Arrival Services

 

Airport Information

The closest airport is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, its airport code is XNA.

Arrival Services

  • UAISS provides limited assistance with arrival transportation. Please check Arrival Information Form for ISS on your Application Portal. 
  • The following website can be used to book transportation from XNA Airport: Ground Transportation
  • You may also contact one of the student groups (Registered Student Organizations) to see if they will meet you.
  • Contact intlarr@uark.edu for more information. 

Arrange Your Housing

Temporary Housing

  • Experience Fayetteville has a wonderful list of recommendations for temporary accommodations, but is not exhaustive. You are welcome to shop around and find the best accommodations for your situation.
  • If you decide to not use temporary housing, you are free to make arrangements on your own to stay in a hotel.
  • If you have made a contract with University Housing, you will need to look at the orientation schedule to check when you can move in.

On-Campus Housing

  • If you will be under 18 years old when you arrive at the University of Arkansas, your parents or your legal guardian MUST complete the "Safety and Security Addendum" form that will be available at residence hall check-in. If a parent or legal guardian is not available at your residence hall check-in, then you will need to collect the form and fax and scan it to them to complete and return.
  •  If you are a freshman (first-year student) and under 21 you are required to live on campus. There are several residence hall options for those wishing to live on campus. On campus accommodations are arranged through University Housing.
  • There are also apartments through the University that are offered for upper-class students.

Off-Campus Housing

  • Transfer and graduate students are not required to live on campus.
  • There are a variety of apartments available in the surrounding area that are near University Transit bus stops. You can contact apartment complexes on your own or check out the Off-Campus Housing website to help you locate apartment complexes or roommates.
  • When you sign a contract for an apartment, or anything else, it is a legally binding contract. DO NOT sign a contract or a lease unless you are sure you will live in the apartment. We highly recommend looking at your apartment unit before signing the lease/contract as otherwise you may have to stay there even if you don't like it. 
  • Be wary of very cheap apartments as they may be of poor quality.

Prepare Your Finances

Tuition Payment

  • Once you have registered for classes your student account will be billed along with any other room and board fees. Your student account must be paid or have a payment plan set up by the 5th day of classes at the start of each semester. For more information visit the Treasurer's Office page.
  • The University of Arkansas has partnered with Flywire to streamline the tuition payment process for our international students. With Flywire, you can pay from any country and any bank. You are offered excellent foreign exchange rates, allowing you to pay in your home currency (in most cases) and save a significant amount of money, as compared to traditional banks. You will also be able to track where your payment is in the transfer process via a student dashboard and an email confirmation will be sent to you when your payment is received by the school. Go to Tell us about your payment to begin the payment process.
  • As a student coming to the U.S. on a student visa status, you have demonstrated that you can finance your education. Before you arrive in Fayetteville, please determine how much funds you'd need for the first a few weeks upon arrival.

Social Security Number Application

  • If you have an on-campus job or UofA scholarship, the Nonresident Tax Team will meet with you to help you complete the required new employee paperwork. In order to be set up in Payroll you must meet with them. You will need to have your GLACIER profile completed and bring all of your original immigration documents to the meeting.
  • UAISS assists students to apply for the Social Security Number (SSN) usually during the 3rd week of the semester. Please wait for futher announcements after orientation week.
  • Those students who do not have on-campus job oppportunities are NOT eligible to apply for SSN.

Once You Have Arrived

 

What Should I Carry With Me?

  • Travel Documents:
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • U of A Admission Letter
  • Any other Important Document
  • More information about what to expect at immigration and the port of entry.
  • I-94 (this is given at the port of entry). Click here to learn more about the I-94 form.
  • Contact Numbers

Scholars

J-1 Exchange Visitors, H-1B Employees, and TN Employees learn about preparing to arrive and orientation.

Incoming Scholars Information